Back from Istanbul, Turkey. God started with some cleaning ...cleaning my heart that is!!!
It's funny how people who love God want to be shaken by Him. I know him , trust him and down deep are far from him. When he reveals how wicked I am, I'm grateful because he is going to clean and restore me to a right heart. When I say that the trip was great , it was. God moved through us and in us. That first day God revealed the sin in my heart...... Selfishness, impatience, lack of steadfastness and lack of love. I could go on and on with the list. I wasn't fit for this trip, but God was going to work anyway. Little did I know that he had a plan for me and if he had to ...he would use me!The picture you see is of a toddler (little over 2) and his infant brother. Their mom is hidding in these bushes. She is waiting for people to come by , feel sorry and put money in a cup that is waiting near the baby. This image bothered me all day. We are told that many refugees are in Turkey. Some find housing and jobs but some do not. I don't know the story behind this situation but I do know that this level of "living" is not what I can relate to. "I" could not imagine any mom doing this to their children but "I" have not been in their situation. This woman might of been forced into prostitution and these are babies out of that. We are told lots of stories. My mind wanders and can only guess. Are these children loved and cared for?? (I don't think so) What is their future? ....... I pray that someone will share the love of God with them someday and they will have a real "life". Life in Jesus!!!!!
When I asked God to reveal himself to me , he wants to show me what he sees........ brokenness, despair, and lost souls that need him!!!
1 john 2:6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus walked.
(I will post more soon. Next one will be lighter:) )
posted by Karlene | 5:35 PM
5 Comments:
Dear Karlene,
Sounds like you've been "wrecked" by the Lord. How much He wants us to see the need. The fruit of this "trip" will always be with you!
Thankful for His grace towards me,
your sister, Chrissy
Auntie Karlene...wow, I can't wait to talk to you and hear more stories about what God did in and through you and uncle Steve. That picture broke my heart...thank you for sharing with us!
Karlene,
It is an amazing thing when God can make His Word real and relevant to our lives! Isn't it amazing how the Holy Spirit meets you as you step out in faith to actually "Do" what the Word tells us to do? We are so blessed here in the US, and to some extent we are oblivious to not only the blessing we have here, but the need that is out there...That is what I think James meant when he wrote James 1:27...
"Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us." (NLT) My your eyes be constantly open to the need, and your heart be ready to meet it...wherever God shows it to you! Thanks for sharing...
Brent
I can tell that there is a kindred spirit guys and girls!
I can tell that God impacted your lives, Karlene. Isn't it interesting that when we commit to serve, He puts us in a place where we are broken and cleansed first...I know my life will never be the same after my missions trip to Israel. Those beautiful Muslim children....I grieve for them. I am grateful for all the Messianic congregations over there reaching out to the lost.
Thanks for your willingness to be used by Him.
Pat
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